Fukuoka City Museum — Ancient Samurai Kingdom Gold Seal

Published: Jun 1, 2026

Updated: Jun 1, 2026

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Fukuoka City Museum — Ancient Samurai Kingdom Gold Seal

The Fukuoka City Museum houses Japan's most remarkable small object: the King of Na gold seal (漢委奴国王印), given by Emperor Guangwu of Han China to the ruler of the ancient Nakoku kingdom in 57 AD — a diplomatic recognition that predates the formal formation of the Japanese state by 600 years. The seal is 2.3cm square and weighs 108 grams. It sat unknown in a field in Fukuoka for over 1700 years before being unearthed in 1784.

Opening Hours

9:30 AM – 5:30 PM

Closed: Closed Mondays

Entrance Fee

¥200

Best Season

Year-round | Temporary exhibitions change 3–4 times annually

Visit Duration

60–90 minutes

Getting There

Access Information

3-1-1 Momochihama, Sawara-ku. Near Fukuoka Tower. 15-minute bus from Tenjin. Hours: 9:30–17:30. Closed Mondays. Admission: ¥200.

Insider Guide

Premium

**The seal viewing:** The gold seal is displayed in a climate-controlled case in the permanent collection. Viewed in isolation, it looks almost too small to matter. Reading the accompanying history —